This one hurts on some level, because Chris Paul has been such a major figure of the NBA in the time that my eyes have been on the product. At his best, Paul was the best point guard in the league, a floor raiser, an orchestrator. In 2025-26, CP3 is headed for the buyout market and a name to avoid.
That is the case for the Los Angeles Lakers at least. Despite their need at the backup point guard spot, Paul's legacy as an all-time point guard, and the natural connection to the city and his family — it's a bad fit. That aspect of it is just too much to overcome.
The Lakers do still have an open roster spot. Should it not be used on a trade ahead of the deadline, Los Angeles will undoubtedly shift their focus to the buyout market immediately. NBA insiders have already confirmed Paul will be there too after being moved in the Ochai Agbaji trade.
Chris Haynes reported: "Sources: Brooklyn Nets receiving $3.5 million from Los Angeles Clippers in the three-team trade involving Chris Paul and Toronto Raptors. CP3 is expected to be waived."
At 40 years old, and in his 21st season, Paul just won't be a difference-maker for the Lakers bench. If Los Angeles are going to largely stand pat at the deadline, they will need to take a shot on someone who has that sort of upside.
Chris Paul doesn’t actually help the Lakers bench in a meaningful way
Veteran leadership is not without value, let's be clear about that. However, the Lakers are already fully set in that department with LeBron James. On top of that, James is still a major plus on the court itself. Paul didn't play much with the Clippers, but when he did, it wasn't great.
Everyone should know the story of him getting sent home by the other Los Angeles team by now. Before that happened, Paul averaged 2.9 points and 3.3 assists in 14.3 minutes per game during his 16 appearances off the bench. The shooting splits were 32-33-50.
Perhaps there is an argument to be made that CP3's passing still makes him a little playable. His defense immediately erases that thought.
During his best years in the NBA, Paul was an All-Defensive type of star on that end. At 40, understandably so, the Point God just does not have it anymore. Adding him to an already weak unit would only further worsen the existing problem.
If the Lakers have no intention of truly being competitive this season, a Paul retirement tour would be a nice story after the Clippers robbed him of that. If they do want some crack at building momentum in the Luka Doncic era, they'll need a more high-risk buyout target than CP3.